FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 29,
2012

FLORIDA STATE PARKS AMERICORPS COMPLETES YEAR OF SERVICE

~Members celebrate with year-end service project at Mike Roess Gold Head
Branch State Park~

The 2012 Florida State Parks AmeriCorps members completed many service projects at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park.

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – Commemorating the 2012 year of
service to Florida’s state parks, 45 Florida State Parks AmeriCorps members completed
their last service project at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park.
Individual projects included exterior and interior restoration efforts of
cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, removing
encroaching landscape around the Civilian Conservation Corps water tower to
help preserve it and increase its visibility to the public and collecting wire
grass seeds for use in habitat restoration efforts in the park and other nearby
state parks. Florida State Parks AmeriCorps members were also treated to a
year-end appreciation ceremony held at the park.

“We are
extremely thankful to these dedicated and passionate individuals for their love
of Florida’s environment and service in our state parks,” said Florida Park
Service Director Donald Forgione. “Florida State Parks AmeriCorps members
inspire visitors daily and create a lasting legacy of community pride in our
parks.”

Florida
State Parks AmeriCorps members spend a year of service in various state parks,
working to positively impact both the natural and cultural resources of that
park. The AmeriCorps Florida State Parks program is administered by the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection and operates in Florida's 161 state
parks and their surrounding communities. In cooperation with park staff, local
organizations and schools, AmeriCorps Florida State Parks members provide
service in the areas of habitat restoration, Americans with Disabilities Act
compliance, prescribed burning, trail maintenance, cultural and historical
restoration, environmental education and volunteer recruitment.

“Florida
State Parks AmeriCorps is a life changing opportunity that has had endless
rewards and outcomes! It has prepared me for my next adventure and career in
life, and I wouldn’t be the same person I am today without being an AmeriCorps
member," said Catlin
Minnis, Florida State Parks AmeriCorps member at Jonathan Dickinson State Park. "I am AmeriCorps and I will recommend it to everyone that wants to better their lives. Being an
AmeriCorps member is something that I will always remember.”

“Florida
State Parks AmeriCorps is a great educational experience. I am stronger and more confident," said Samantha
Hudson, Florida State Parks AmeriCorps member at Ponce de Leon Springs State
Park. "I am AmeriCorps. Being an AmeriCorps member
is setting out to do something and knowing you’ll make a difference.”

As of
Oct. 31, 2012, the 2012 Florida State Parks AmeriCorps program has:

-Contributed approximately 75,000 hours of service to Florida State Parks.

-Treated nearly 10,000 gross acres for invasive exotic plants.

-Participated on the fire line of approximately 32,000 acres of prescribed
fire.

-Improved approximately 1,500 miles of trails.

-Provided interpretive programs to more than 9,000 participants.

-Recruited more than 1,500 new volunteers who provided Florida State Parks.
with nearly 5,000 hours of volunteer service.

AmeriCorps
Florida State Parks began in 1997 and is part the national service movement
AmeriCorps. Nationwide, AmeriCorps engages more than 50,000 citizens of all
ages and backgrounds each year in results-driven community service in the areas
of education, public safety, human needs and the environment. In return, AmeriCorps
members earn an education award for their service.

The
mission of AmeriCorps Florida State Parks is to serve and strengthen Florida
State Parks' natural and cultural resources by addressing critical
environmental and human needs. Visit the website to find out more information about the program and
how to become a member.

About Florida State Parks, Greenways and Trails

Florida’s 171 award-winning state
park and trail properties have inspired residents and visitors with recreation
opportunities and scenic beauty that helps to strengthen families, educate
children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With 161 parks, 10
state trails, nearly 800,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 1,500
miles of multi-use trails, visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural
treasures. For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.